Dating from 1946, this film "Radiological Safety at Operation Crossroads" shows some of the planning that went into the Operation Crossroads nuclear test series, to ensure that personnel were not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation and radioactive fallout resulting from the bomb explosions. This included the use of drone aircraft to fly through the atomic cloud, and extensively monitoring throughout the target area. Unfortunately the measures taken proved insufficient and in reality, many personnel may have suffered exposure as a result of the test, resulting in an average shorter lifespan of three months for participants. The first atomic bomb explosion released a destructive blast equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, but its greatest threat was deadly radiation, including neutrons, alpha and beta particles, and gamma rays. The severe effects of radiation, observed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, led to the formation of the Radiological Safety Section to protect personnel during Operation Crossroads. This section planned test schedules, monitored weather conditions, and tracked radioactive clouds. Specialized teams, including aircraft pilots and drone operators, gathered radiation data, while radiological monitors ensured safety by measuring exposure levels. Target ships and surrounding waters were carefully surveyed before personnel re-entered hazardous zones. Instruments like Geiger counters, dosimeters, and film badges were crucial for monitoring radiation exposure. The second test, an underwater detonation, created prolonged radioactive contamination, spreading fission products widely. Lessons from Operation Crossroads highlighted the long-term dangers of radiation and the importance of safety protocols in nuclear testing. 00:00:Introduction. First atomic bomb, an air burst, explodes. 0:39: Blast matches 20,000 tons of TNT; radiation is the real threat. 1:04: Invisible rays and particles pose the greatest danger. 1:10: Hiroshima and Nagasaki showed radiation’s severe effects. 1:25: Radiological Safety Section formed for Operation Crossroads. 1:50: Weather tracked to predict atomic cloud movement. 2:13: Test Able set for July 1, 1946. 2:26: Monitors assigned to measure radioactivity. 3:04: Monitors joined aircraft and patrols with Geiger counters. 3:38: Drones guided through radioactive clouds. 4:35: Test Able detonated above the lagoon. 4:54: B-17 drone filmed the radioactive cloud. 5:06: Drone boats collected radioactive water samples. 6:08: Radiation contours drawn for safe re-entry. 6:16: Patrols surveyed the lagoon post-clearance. 7:08: Geiger counters measured radiation continuously. 7:29: Exposure limited to 0.1 roentgen daily. 8:19: Monitors checked target ships before boarding. 9:18: Dosimeters tracked accumulated exposure. 10:52: Film badges recorded radiation for all personnel. 13:41: Test Baker detonated underwater. 13:56: Fission products spread widely, increasing contamination. 15:39: Salvage ships washed radioactive material off vessels. 16:13: Long-lived fission products posed ongoing hazards. 24:44: Underwater test showed radioactivity’s devastating impact. 25:40: Lessons emphasized radiation’s severity and safety needs. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. We collect, scan and preserve 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have films you'd like to have scanned or donate to Periscope Film, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the link below.
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
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